PGA Tour Heads to Phoenix, LIV Golf Begins in Saudi Arabia

The PGA Tour's WM Phoenix Open tees off this week as LIV Golf kicks off its new season.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:07am

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The PGA Tour is heading to Scottsdale, Arizona for the annual WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. The tournament features a $9.6 million purse and will be televised on Golf Channel and NBC. Meanwhile, the rival LIV Golf league is beginning its new season with an event in Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour, known for its lively atmosphere and raucous crowds. As the PGA Tour continues to compete with the upstart LIV Golf league, this tournament will be an important showcase for the Tour. LIV Golf's new season in Saudi Arabia also represents an ongoing rivalry between the two golf circuits.

The details

The WM Phoenix Open will be played at the TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course, which measures 7,261 yards and plays to a par of 71. The tournament features a $9.6 million purse, with the winner taking home $1.728 million. Coverage will air on Golf Channel on Thursday and Friday, and on NBC on Saturday. Meanwhile, LIV Golf is kicking off its new season with an event in Saudi Arabia, continuing the league's controversial relationship with the country.

  • The WM Phoenix Open takes place February 3-6, 2026.
  • LIV Golf's new season begins the same weekend as the Phoenix Open.

The players

PGA Tour

The main professional golf tour in the United States and North America.

LIV Golf

A new professional golf league that launched in 2022 and is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

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What they’re saying

“The WM Phoenix Open is always one of the most exciting events on the PGA Tour schedule. The crowds and atmosphere make it a can't-miss tournament.”

— Rory McIlroy, PGA Tour Player

“LIV Golf's new season in Saudi Arabia is another step in the league's efforts to challenge the PGA Tour's dominance.”

— Greg Norman, LIV Golf CEO

What’s next

The PGA Tour will closely monitor attendance and viewership numbers for the WM Phoenix Open as it continues to compete with LIV Golf. LIV Golf will look to build momentum with a successful start to its new season in Saudi Arabia.

The takeaway

The rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continues to be a major storyline in professional golf. The WM Phoenix Open and LIV Golf's new season opener in Saudi Arabia represent the latest chapter in this ongoing battle for the future of the sport.